FEBRUARY 2021 EVENT: PART ONE

[robbies]

 

CHAPTER TWO, PART 1: A LIGHT LUNCH

Good times, great olives, Uliveto's.

INVITES AND INSISTENCES | BISQUE AND BREADSTICKS | FONTINA AND FOCACCIA | MUNDANITY AND MISHAPS

---

INVITES AND INSISTENCES

After a fairly low-key January, you start hearing the buzz on February 1st: The Happy Homes Association is inviting you to a luncheon on Friday! Stylishly dressed women in coats and hats are inviting everyone they know in the neighborhood, coming up and knocking on your door to invite you personally to come along. “Noon on Friday at Uliveto’s,” one of them tells you with a bright smile. “There’ll be food and drinks, and the whole community can get together and mingle a bit!”

Whether you’re home to answer the door or not, you’ll receive a small card advertising the event — it’s a fundraiser, after all, and they need your help! Pay just $3 and your food and as much as you’d like to drink are covered.

But some of the HHA members are a little more insistent, roving the neighborhood in search of anyone who’s just moved to Santa Rosita in the past few months. Their almost too-wide smiles and slightly-vacant eyes are a dead giveaway that these neighbors aren’t all at home, and they aren’t willing to take anything less than a “Yes” when they ask you if you’re coming. You’ve got to wash your hair? They know a hairdresser over at the salon on Main Street who can fit you in today. Groceries? Why, their daughter can take care of that for you in a jiffy! No excuse will fly with these Robbies; they’ve always got an answer and a way for you to make an appearance.

It won’t end once you’ve agreed, either (even if you just agree to get them off your back!). With the promise of another guest at the luncheon, the Robbies are quick to suggest that you should help them! There are so many people in the town, after all, and with more people volunteering to spread the word, they can make this the most successful fundraiser ever! (Or, well, at least the most successful since last year’s Little League candy sales!) Look, there’s another of your new neighbors over there — why don’t you go and invite them now? Your new friends from the HHA will be right here to support you and help you out!

↑ back to top ↑

---

BISQUE AND BREADSTICKS

On Friday, February 5th, Uliveto’s is easy to find — just follow the train of cars headed to North Santa Rosita, where the restaurant sits just off of Main Street with a parking lot that’s packed full. Hopefully you’re willing to walk, because it looks like the luncheon is in full swing! But as you get closer, you see that the ladies of the HHA have things down to a science as they welcome neighbors, invite them to join one of the many tables set up in the half of the restaurant they’ve taken over, and integrate newcomers into conversation.

“Oh, hello!” one of the ladies gushes as she spots you. “I’m so glad you could make it! It’s a little cold today, but you should try the tomato bisque — it always warms me right up! Come with me and Betty can get you all set up with your meal voucher; have you ever been to Uliveto’s before? It’s just divine; the salad and breadsticks are all you can eat and the pasta — golly, my mother never even tried to outdo it. We’d just come here instead!”

Before you know it, you’ve paid your entrance and have been shown to one of the large party tables (or maybe they’re multiple tables pushed together? What restaurant normally has tables that seat 20 people?), a waitress offering you the drinks menu and asking if you’d like to start with a glass of (nonalcoholic, of course!) wine. Once she’s gone, you’ll finally get a chance to look around the interior of the restaurant. The walls are a warm yellowed beige, and fluted columns break up the space with clinging ivy and grapes hanging from planters near the top. A mural is painted on the far wall of a terrace looking out over rolling hills and vineyards, and the soft music of an accordion reaches your ears…

“You all right, hon?”

One of the ladies at your table is looking at you expectantly. Don’t forget, you’re here to mingle and socialize! Time to break out that small talk!

↑ back to top ↑

---

FONTINA AND FOCACCIA

As the luncheon continues, you may be able to notice some of the HHA volunteers scurrying back and forth, taking turns manning the doors and the small table where Betty’s taking donations and issuing meal vouchers. Watch long enough and you’ll be able to see that all of them are ultimately reporting to three ladies who confer at a smaller table set back from all the mingling, talking amongst themselves and from time to time making notes in a small ledger. At about half past noon, one of the women stands, calling out, “May I have your attention, please?” She has to repeat it a couple times to be heard, but after a minute or two everybody settles down. The woman nods toward all of the guests, then turns back to the table, allowing one of the women to stand and make herself known. Tall, graceful, and neat, she takes a look around the room as she speaks — does her gaze linger a moment on you? Good afternoon, everyone. For those of you who may not know me yet, my name is Rosemary Craven, and I’m the head of our local Happy Homes Association. A small wave of applause breaks out from some of the ladies; Rosemary seems to indulge them for just a moment before she lifts a gloved hand to quell it. Please. I can only manage what I’m given, and the fine women of the association give me plenty to work with. Their efforts to organize this luncheon for all of us today showcase the dedication we should all strive for. Ladies, please stand and be recognized. Today’s fundraiser is to benefit our town as Founder’s Day approaches in April. We’ve got big plans for the funds we raise — who knows? Perhaps we’ll be able to afford some yummy treats for the children. Who doesn’t love an ice cream cake? Your generosity today makes all of this possible. You’ll forgive me for not giving you hard numbers, but I’d hate to be so gauche in such a lovely restaurant. Let me assure you, though, that the Happy Homes Association is here to help you in whatever way we can, whether that’s by helping you redecorate your homes, bringing over home-cooked meals, or teaching you some new skills — and speaking of new skills, I’d like to invite all of our new neighbors to talk with me personally if you think you might be interested in helping us out from time to time. Sewing might not be your forte, but everybody’s got something they’re good at, and we can always use the extra hands. I’ll let you all get back to your meals. If you have any questions for me, please seek me out. I’ll be sitting just over here with Maude.

↑ back to top ↑

---

MUNDANITY AND MISHAPS

After the luncheon, things in Santa Rosita continue on as normal. The weekend comes and goes, the work week begins, and the cold February wind blows… But when you wake up on February 10th, some of you are missing.

↑ back to top ↑

---

OOC INFO

Welcome to the first part of February’s event! You can use this entry to top-level for the event, but feel free to utilize the log and network communities as well. Sign-ups to have your character abducted are located here; please fill out the form provided along with any other pertinent details.

You may play with the townsfolk NPCs as necessary in your threads; non-Robbied neighbors will be cordial and happy to make small talk and will try to maintain the pleasant atmosphere. Robbies will, as always, be mindlessly optimistic and complimentary about everything—you may find that most of the Robbies have congregated at their own table and are bubbling with excitement over just about anything.

There will be a top-level posted for Rosemary below. If you would like to have your character interact with her, comment with your starter there. The mods will respond to tags for Rosemary until February 15th.

Any questions can go in our FAQ thread below. Try to check and see if your question has already been answered on the plotting thread first here.

Remember — part 2 of this event is coming February 15th!

---

▶ NAVIGATION ◀
COMMS	logs | network | ooc | memes
OOC INFO	premise | rules | faq | taken | applications | hiatus/drop/canon updates | activity check | reserves | mod contact
SETTING INFO	calendar | setting | housing | npcs | death and tranquilizing | the story so far | event suggestions/engagements

Comments

[demonicmiracle]

Nah, love a nun, I do. Met plenty of great nuns.

[Somehow it's equal parts amused and genuine. He has met plenty of great nuns, it's just that some of them were Satanic nuns.

And others were perfectly normal Christian nuns that he may or may not have tempted into breaking their vows. But hey! That's neither here nor there!]

Might do, but you did just warn me about your plan to pressure me into a social event. It's not a tupperware party, is it?

[mandelbrots]

Shit dude.

[Amanda wants to snub the meal entirely after that bit of intel, but the loud grumbling of her stomach has other thoughts. Eyes still wide with alarm, she plucks a carrot shred off of her own salad, and stares it down like it might have rat poison hidden inside.]

I ate the one my neighbor brought. [She finally pops the carrot shred in her mouth and bites down.] He wasn't one of these creeps, though. Tall guy, lots of denim.

[the_caped_crusader]

Haven't met him yet, but I think you would have noticed the razor blades by now.

[ he's been so busy with working on his own, he hasn't bothered getting to know the new arrivals. lots of denim? he wasn't sure who that was. something he'd have to change later on. breaking from his train of thought, bruce reaches into his jacket pocket and tosses her a bag of granola. ]

Here, catch.

[apodictic]

Split the goods and perhaps you will get your bowl back, and full of bisque besides, as God intended.

[ wow, very demanding. anyway he looks incredibly serious about this, sir. ]

[apodictic]

Ah. This one he knows. "It's a dessert made of coffee and a kind of cheese. It's sweet with some versions having liqueur in it, though I wouldn't count that for this one if they don't even want to serve us true wine."

It was highly popular amongst the politicians that he and the Captain were forced to entertain on a regular basis. Angelo doesn't care much for sweets, though he's content to leave that to his 'mother'. "You can try it with tea or coffee."

[apodictic]

[ he watches him curiously. how interesting, that he keeps an eye on someone. someone important? though if he's being honest, he's doing the same for his 'mother'. ]

Perhaps. But it'd be more than interesting.

Pretending to be normal, knowing the reality about this place, makes for an unsettling experience all things considered.

[apodictic]

[ he does not like games. he thinks it over, and then says, ]

A maximum of three, as with all genies. I don't want to take up your time, you've plenty enough to entertain.

You spoke of a 'Founder's day.' I imagine for many residents here, as well as members of the Homeowner's Association, everything about it is routine and therefore always a pleasant reminder once spring comes. Is there a particularly memorable year it was celebrated that you remember?

1/2

[inpersonation]

[ for a second, an expression comes and goes on her face- ]

[apodictic]

You're not hallucinating, are you?

[ because the last time he ended up being ill in this place, and having to puke, it was when he was watching his memories be replayed, in horror, at the movies.

angelo slips a hand in his pocket and produces a tin of mint. ] If you need it. I've aspirin as well if that's necessary. [ just mixed in with the candy. ]

[apodictic]

[ angelo clicks his tongue. ]

How shameless. I'm sure if you ask them they'd bring food for your pantry, if you need it so badly.

[ as for it being uneventful - ] And that's the problem.

Though it took us away from school and work, so I can't really complain that much.

2/2

[inpersonation]

[ but it quickly comes and goes and she grimaces sheepishly, looking away in self-admonishment. ]

I’m sorry but... My— [ she hesitates, mouth twisting in what seems to be sadness. ] —My real father has been dead for a long time. I'm here with a man who's been assigned to me as my parent and he's been nothing but kind to me.

[ she finally faces him again with a smile, tilting her head to the side in apology and making herself visibly shrink back from him. ] I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I really am.

[apodictic]

[ angelo looks like he will utterly refuse shaking hands with her, just because there is absolutely no reason for the two of them to be so cordial with each other. in the end, he does shake it, because he's in public and appearances have to be maintained. it is a brief handshake. ]

We can always follow the main road. Once we get tired we'll stop by a cafe or a diner to rest and talk about everything else.

[apodictic]

[ angelo raises an eyebrow. where's that goofy personality chucking snowballs the first time he met him? he drinks his non-alcoholic wine thoughtfully, and says, ]

Well, well. You sound like a professional where food is concerned.

[the_caped_crusader]

[ ADOPTS IMMEDIATELY. a look of empathy and surprise crosses bruce's face for a moment and he nods. he feels like an idiot, suddenly. ]

No, I shouldn't have been so forward. I'm sorry... about your father. I know what that's like.

[peninhand]

Success! While she's happy for him, this being a success is unfortunately a negative for her. They really are like NPCs... Ah, how she'd love to share her worries with him or anyone, but she quite simply couldn't.

"Ahaha, don't worry. I'm used to dealing with people like that."

She then shook her head.

"I'll probably be fine, I already have a few ideas when it comes to outfits." No no, she hadn't put too much thought into it. It's not like she's vain or anything. "I'm Monika. Just Monika. It's a pleasure meeting you, Huisang!"

She looked back. The "robbie" was really gone.

"Does it happen often? Our, er, neighbors stalking us?"

[peninhand]

[ Hmm. She'll have to look for who his "parents" are after that. Shouldn't be difficult, just a little bit of snooping around. ]

Aww, that's a shame. I was looking forward to talking about you with them, ahaha!

[ It'll happen anyway. For now, she wraps her arm around Claude's. He's the one who was trying to pull her away to avoid talking about his guilt, she can play that game too. ]

Well, how about a change of topic? I think you've suffered enough for this evening. [He'll suffer more later.] Why don't you tell me more about your homeworld? I love hearing about everyone's homeworld, everyone here comes from so many different places! It's like reading a fantasy book.

[grice]

. . . Yes, sir.

[ that wasn't alarming at all, and subtly— falco tries to keep his gaze going between who talks to her and playing with his food. he's careful not to have eye contact with her again, it's unsettling, and now that he has something to go off on, it's even more so. ]

How do they change?

[oldmanfive]

[ He simply shrugs as he glances away. He's not necessarily in the mood for company but at least Aziraphale's presence would likely deflect the Stepford Wives, since they would see him with an adult.]

Fresh air couldn't hurt.

[ He replies in as close to accepting said invitation without saying so directly. ]

[freeflight]

There's no mistaking it. [ He inclines his head towards one of the tables populated almost exclusively with Robbies. They are fundamentally different in a particularly unsettling way, and he's still not sure what to make of them congregating together. ]

Like there's someone else in control.

cw vague mention of child death

[undiagnosed]

Okay, I'll bite. Reminds you of what? An episode of Stargate?

[he does wonder, though, if one of the kids was harding's-- it certainly gives him motive. but... he doesn't seem like the kind of guy to be in control of all of this.]

[bibliophilicbells]

[Well EXCUSE HIM. Aziraphale can't help offering a side-eye — who is this child?

He takes another bite of the breadstick, to be difficult.]

And who, pray tell, put you in charge of the rationing?

[bibliophilicbells]

[One would hope.

Aziraphale leads the way, smiling sweetly at one of the HHA members who stare at him as they walk — almost as though she's concerned they're about to skip out of the party early.]

Smoke break. Terrible habit, I know. Won't be a moment.

[ — not exactly true, but not a lie, either.

Except then he realizes he has a teenager in tow, and he offers Five a terribly guilty look once they're outside. What a bad influence he is, implying that he's taking a kid out to smoke.]

Sorry.

The Countess | OTA

[callhousekeeping]

I. Bisque & Breadsticks
[ Sitting at a back table is an unimpressed blonde with an untouched plate. There's a red lipstick mark on her glass, but it seems that she only took a single sip -- what is the point, exactly, of non-alcoholic wine? Either way, she doesn't look particularly happy to be here.

The Countess has been to plenty of luncheons in her time, and this one is exceedingly average, even if she's not a fan of this restaurant or these people. It's all just an exercise in mundanity, and that's not something she excels at. One of those weird, native housewives tries to get The Countess to chime in on a conversation about duvet covers, and while she smiles (it doesn't reach her eyes) and nods, she doesn't care at all about such trivialities.

She just leans over to the nearest person who also doesn't quite seem to fit in and murmurs to them. ]

Are you bored out of your skull too, or is that just me?

II. Mundanity & Mishaps

[ One good thing came out of that bizarre luncheon: she's finally got a lead on a seamstress who might be able to create the couture that she's so desperately missing. The Countess scurries through the town square, a bolt of expensive-looking magenta silk under one arm. She doesn't seem to be in too much of a rush, though, certainly not enough to stop her from pausing at shop windows and take a look at their wares. ]

[inpersonation]

[ oh a brief handshake and a practical and to-the-point idea for what they can do? thank fuck. ]

I would love that very much- [ she makes a show of blinking her eyes a lot, like something occurs to her just now. ] Ah! My name! I'm Blossom. Nice to meet you properly. If we stop by a cafe or diner, it'll be my treat! It's the least that I can do.

[inpersonation]

It's fine, mister. [ she continues to smile at him but she adds a bit more cheer as if she's trying to comfort him. ] I think we're all on a bit of edge. I know I am.

[ she looks around for a bit. like she's making sure no one is listening to them. then she cups a hand over her mouth and whispers, ] Last thing I remember before coming here was being in a hospital. So... yeah. I can get being suspicious. It's probably the best course to take right now.